PKV for students in 2027 is first of all a question of the legal position rather than forecasts: which rules apply if you want to take out private instead of statutory health insurance next year? This guide sets out the exemption from compulsory insurance (Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht), the 2027 reference values and the features of student tariffs. It sticks to what laws and draft regulations actually say.
In short: Students are generally subject to compulsory statutory health insurance, but can apply for an exemption within three months of the start of the compulsory insurance (section 8 of Book V of the Social Code, SGB V). The exemption cannot be revoked. For employees, the compulsory insurance threshold is set at 84,150 euros a year in the 2027 draft regulation. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points at a glance
- Students at state or recognised universities are compulsorily insured up to the age of 30 under section 5(1) no. 9 SGB V, unless a prior form of cover applies.
- The application for exemption must reach the health insurer within three months of the start of compulsory insurance. The exemption is irrevocable (section 8(2) SGB V).
- The exemption only takes effect if you prove other health cover. Anyone resident in Germany must have health insurance (section 193(3) of the Insurance Contract Act, VVG).
- The 2027 threshold of 84,150 euros concerns employees, not students during their studies. It becomes relevant at career start. The figure comes from a draft, and the Bundesrat has not yet approved it.
- Student tariffs differ in benefits, deductible and health assessment. Premiums depend on the individual case and are not quoted here.
Which health insurance applies to students in principle?
The Social Code regulates student health insurance in section 5(1) no. 9 SGB V. Students at state or recognised universities are compulsorily insured up to the age of 30. The obligation does not arise if you are already insured under another compulsory scheme or covered by family insurance under section 10 SGB V (section 5(7) SGB V). The contribution rate is seven tenths of the general rate (section 245 SGB V). The general rate is 14.6 percent in 2026 (section 241 SGB V), plus the insurer-specific additional contribution.
Family insurance (Familienversicherung) is an alternative as long as total income stays below the limit in section 10 SGB V. That limit is one seventh of the reference value (Bezugsgröße) and is 565 euros a month in 2026. For 2027, the draft regulation (reference value of 4,130 euros) yields 590 euros by calculation. This figure is derived and only becomes binding once the regulation enters into force.
| Cover during studies | Legal basis | Core idea |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory compulsory insurance as a student | Section 5(1) no. 9 SGB V | Compulsory insurance at universities up to age 30, contribution rate seven tenths of the general rate |
| Family insurance | Section 10 SGB V | Takes priority over student insurance, depends on total income |
| Private health insurance after exemption | Section 8 SGB V, section 193 VVG | Application within three months, exemption irrevocable, proof of cover required |
How does the exemption under section 8 SGB V work?
Students who become subject to compulsory insurance can apply to be exempted. Enrolment at a university is expressly named in the law as a ground for exemption. The application goes to the health insurer with which you would otherwise become insured. The procedure follows fixed rules set out in section 8(2) SGB V.
| Rule | Content | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline | Three months after the start of compulsory insurance | Section 8(2) sentence 1 SGB V |
| Effect | From the start of compulsory insurance if no benefits have been used yet, otherwise from the calendar month after the application | Section 8(2) sentence 2 SGB V |
| Revocation | The exemption cannot be revoked | Section 8(2) sentence 3 SGB V |
| Proof | Effective only with proof of other health cover | Section 8(2) sentence 4 SGB V |
Two points deserve attention. First, the three-month period runs whether or not you already hold a private contract. Second, the exemption binds you because it cannot be withdrawn. The individual steps are covered in the guide Exemption From Compulsory Insurance as a Student.
What does the 2027 compulsory insurance threshold mean for students?
The compulsory insurance threshold (Versicherungspflichtgrenze), legally the general annual earnings threshold under section 6(6) SGB V, decides whether employees are exempt from statutory insurance and may move to private cover. It is set each year by regulation. During studies it usually plays no role, because student jobs do not reach this level. It becomes relevant at career start. Students employed for pay are exempt from compulsory insurance in that job under section 6(1) no. 3 SGB V, but that is a separate rule and not a consequence of the threshold.
| Value | 2026 (in force) | 2027 (draft) |
|---|---|---|
| General compulsory insurance threshold per year | 77,400 euros | 84,150 euros |
| General compulsory insurance threshold per month | 6,450 euros | 7,012.50 euros |
The 2027 values are in the draft social insurance reference values regulation adopted by the federal cabinet in October 2026 (Bundesrat printed paper 576/26 of 7 October 2026). The Bundesrat has yet to approve it, and until then the values are not law. How the thresholds apply to a switch after your degree is explained in PKV switch 2027, and the overall picture is in the PKV 2027 overview.
What marks a PKV student tariff?
Private health insurers offer tariffs tailored to students. Each insurer decides how to design them. The law does set the minimum scope of any private health insurance: reimbursement of costs for outpatient and inpatient treatment, with the deductible per person capped at 5,000 euros a year (section 193(3) VVG).
When comparing tariffs, the following features matter most:
- Scope of benefits for outpatient, inpatient and dental treatment and for medical aids
- Size of the deductible and any premium refund
- Health assessment at application and possible risk surcharges or exclusions (section 203(1) VVG)
- Premium development and the ageing reserve (Alterungsrückstellung)
- Rules for the time after studies, such as a tariff change or an expectancy cover (Anwartschaft)
The premium depends on age at entry, health and the cover you choose. We do not quote specific premiums because they differ by insurer and person. For an orientation on structure and process, see What Is PKV for Students? Structure, Principle and Process.
Does new law already apply to student PKV in 2027?
What counts is the law as promulgated. The exemption rule in section 8 SGB V and the insurance obligation in section 193 VVG apply in the version you can read on gesetze-im-internet.de. Changes only take effect once a law has been published in the Federal Law Gazette (Bundesgesetzblatt) and its entry into force is reached. Drafts, position papers and public debate do not change your rights and deadlines.
For your planning this means: deadlines such as the three-month period run under today’s law. Reference values for 2027 remain a draft until the Bundesrat approves them. Check the current wording of the provisions you rely on before you decide.
PKV or GKV during studies: when does which fit?
Both routes have strengths. Statutory cover offers a contribution with a fixed basis and the option of family insurance if the income limit is met. Private cover offers contractually defined benefits and choice on the deductible, but requires a health assessment and ties you through the irrevocable exemption. The ageing reserve and premium development play out over decades.
- PKV may fit if you choose the benefit differences deliberately, are healthy and plan for the contract to continue beyond your studies.
- GKV may fit if a simple, rule-based cover matters more to you or you can be covered by family insurance.
- With pre-existing conditions, an uncertain length of study or plans abroad, an individual review is worthwhile before you use the three-month period.
A personal assessment is available through Academycon’s consultation, described at how we work (in German). For the time after your degree, see PKV After Your Studies: What Happens to Your Contract.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still switch to PKV as a student in 2027?
Yes, if you meet the requirements. What matters is the application for exemption within three months of the start of compulsory insurance and proof of private cover. The insurer also decides on acceptance after a health assessment.
Do I have to apply for the exemption at the start of my studies?
The three-month period begins when compulsory insurance begins. Confirm the exact date with your health insurer. An application after the three months have expired is no longer timely under section 8(2) SGB V.
Does the 2027 compulsory insurance threshold affect me?
Generally not during your studies. It concerns employees and matters at career start. The draft names 84,150 euros a year, as of November 2026. What counts is regular annual earnings, and compulsory insurance only ends at the end of the calendar year (section 6(4) SGB V).
What applies to students over 30?
Students over 30 face their own rules on insurance status and contributions. An overview is in PKV for students over 30: your options at a glance (in German).
Does PKV get more or less expensive after studies?
That cannot be said in general. Premiums change through tariff changes, premium adjustments and age. If premiums rise you have a right to cancel (section 205(4) VVG), and a tariff change within the same insurer is possible under section 204 VVG.
How to proceed
- Check whether you are compulsorily insured or can be covered by family insurance, and note the date on which compulsory insurance begins.
- If you are interested in PKV, obtain offers and clarify benefits, deductible and health assessment before applying.
- Submit the exemption application to the health insurer within the three-month period and attach proof of the private cover.
- Plan for career start: check the threshold in force for 2027 once the regulation has been promulgated.
Related guides
- PKV 2027: limits, premiums and changes at a glance
- PKV switch 2027: what the draft thresholds mean
- Exemption From Compulsory Insurance as a Student
- PKV or GKV as a Student: Which Option Fits Your Situation
- Public or Private Health Insurance for International Students
Sources: Section 8 SGB V, exemption from compulsory insurance (current version); Section 5 SGB V, compulsory insurance (current version); Section 193 VVG, insurance obligation (current version); Bundesrat printed paper 576/26, draft reference values regulation 2027 (7 October 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
